Geese in full flight as time runs out on Clifton

THIS was always going to be a close one with the teams close together above the relegation zone.

So it proved, with the Wild Geese snatching victory deep into injury time.

The Clifton pack dominated in the scrums and mauls and they had long periods of controlling both territory and possession.

They did over-complicate attacking chances and some loose moments presented the quick-thinking Irish with opportunities they eagerly took.

Early on, George Drye powered over for Alex Seers to convert, but Clifton came straight back when scrum-half Mitch Spencer fed a switch pass for Dan Wells to score.

Before half-time, a Clifton mistake allowed Archie Mackay to score with Seers again adding the points.

A Jack Williams touchdown followed a two-metre drive. Newey converted both Clifton efforts. And then a scrum resulted in Andy Chesters giving Clifton the half time lead.

In the second half, a fine break by Mitch Spencer ended with him going under the posts with Newey converting.

But an astute crossfield kick led to Reon Joseph running the full length to score his first of two. A deft Chris Levesly kick gave Wells his second try and a ten-point lead.

A further kick from the Irish led to a try by George Owen, for Seers to convert, and celebrate an unlikely victory.